According to UNICEF, an estimated 353,000 babies are born into this world each day. Divide that by 24, that's approximately 14,708 born per hour. Now take that and divide it by 60 and that's 245 babies born per minute. Each child born onto this Earth is then inducted into the illustrious association known as the human race. Note the keyword, race.
So what exactly is race? No, I'm not talking about NASCAR or horse racing; I'm talking the ethnic groups which define billions of people. Race is generally defined as a group of people identified distinctly from other groups because of supposed physical or genetic traits shared by the group. As humans we share the same anatomical traits; we all have the same skeletal structure, an ever expanding conscious, as well as one beating heart. Yet, the concept of a unified human race seems to be decades away from us because of the differences we have today.
When we talk about race, all we see is color. We see black, white, yellow, brown-- and what has that led to? In essence, it has led us to create racism. This in itself is a controversial topic that isn’t readily discussed. Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. In today’s society, racial discrimination is apparent in many aspects of our lives. Due to the color of our skin, people will treat us differently or act a certain way around us, especially minorities in the United States. All minorities, whether it is the Latino/Hispanic minority, the African American minority, the Asian minority, or even the Muslim minority, experience various degrees of racism; however, some might say that racism lies only in our nation’s history and doesn’t apply to us anymore. Unfortunately, that statement is false. Yes, there is no more Ku Klux Klan as well as no blatant displays of racism; however, that racism has transformed into institutionalized racism that has become ingrained into our society. Whether we like it or not, we now act a certain way towards certain groups of people because our society has conditioned us to react differently towards different groups of people.
Unfortunately, today we associate different races in a negative connotation. We associate black with thugs, hispanic with immigrants and muslim with terrorists, all because of the narrative our society has built for us to believe. Subconsciously, we act a certain way because of this institutionalized racism. Despite this, when we look back at things, we are one human race-- not the segregated groups we currently define as our “race”. However, we are yet to be unified because of the racial divide in society. The way to make a change is to recognize our own racism and fight for equality so we could begin moving towards one united human race. To build to that future, we must act and support those fighting for equal rights to end institutionalized racism so one day we will be one united race.
55 comments:
Hi, I am in Solano's class and I need to kill time during 6th period so I thought, "Hey, check out Cogswell's blog." And aside from the life story I just decided to tell you, I am glad I did. I found it interesting that you chose to tackle this issue, one which most people are afraid of addressing. However I find that the opinion that we will one day become a united race can often be misleading. While being united is a cool thing there also is great benefit to accentuating our differences. Culturally we all sprout from different backgrounds and having those environmentally influenced differences play huge parts in how we interact with one another and progress as a society. I just think it is worth having certain social divides.
-Didi from Solano's 2nd period
Joseph, I strongly agree with you! I give you props for bringing up the topic of racism. For me, I don't like to talk about racism because it is something very personal/sensitive and I don't want to get involve with any uproar. However, I am glad that you did bring it up. I love how you brought up points that many people are thinking of too, but are too afraid to say it. Like how it is true that we automatically associate each race with a negative connotation. Great job Joseph!
That was very motivating and inspiring speech. I agree with your ideals about race. I can understand where are you coming from and I support you. I wish to hear more of your speeches. Lets make this dream come to a reality. Good job never the less.
JJ! I love the topic that you have decided to write about, it helps make humans, especially the youth, aware of the issue of racism and its harmful and ongoing effects. I agree with every single point you have made, and the way it is phrased and explained is so wonderful, I literally stood up yelling "Yes JJ, Yes!" I love how you provided examples and how it hurts each different race, and I especially love the goal you have decided to end the issue, look towards the human race.
- Samar Elshekh P.3
JJ,
Your insight towards such a sensitive subject is very on point, resonating with me and others who understand, or hope to understand, this conflict in society today. Your idea of uniting with one another can apply not only to racism, but in small ways every day as well, making your desired goal much more achievable than it may seem at a first glance. When everyone has each other's back, I honestly believe that the world can reach a better place. Especially in such a time when we see so many shootings in media, when people like Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee dish out such racist slurs like nothing, a need for change is so apparent. Seeing others that work for this change, who voice out their thoughts when no one else will, is refreshing. While you're not talking about revolution here, I particularly like the way in which you advocate for us all to look towards our own problems. I hope that someday the world reaches this point as you do, and thank you for addressing it. Wonderful writing, and I'd love to hear more. Keep it up! ^^
Danelle Angeline Baronia
Period 2
What makes a good piece of writing is substance, and let me just get my critique out of the way so I can praise this piece for what it is. I think this is one of those pieces that is supposed to be objective, in the sense that the author's personal experience -- while it is somewhat apparent that your topic of choosing is something you've gone through -- should be omitted because it's supposed to be commentary. But, with that being said, I believe that explicitly including something that the reader can relate to (in addition to your inclusion of those numbers in the beginning) would make this piece even more vulnerable and etched with that substance I was talking about.
Now that that's out of the way, let me just say that even without a sentimental and subjective paragraph of some kind of anecdote about your experience with racism, your piece highlights a great deal of what Millenials have continued to birth into this world. It's amazing to read another person's perspective in words because it just reveals to me that there will always be a person that is educated and, in a desperate time like this, we need educated people. I've also fallen for that call to action that echoes a sense of that go-to, we-can-do-it-ism that many social commentaries lack because they're so focused on getting how they feel out there. But with commentary, there is a needed addition for a reason why you brought this issue to light and you did just that. Well done.
It is obvious that you are an extremely intelligent person and I admire that you are able to bring a piece of you into your writing, something that is hard to do at any age. You have written a piece that affects many people around the world, especially me as a Black young woman. I often wonder when and how we as humans got to the point in which we decide which race is the "superior" race and decide who are inferior. I am glad that you are able to communicate your frustrations with society in such an eloquent way, respect to you. Job well done!!!
I love how this points out the different stereo types for a variety of different "races". I also like how in the intro it gave us a number of how many babies are born at different times, while not talking about the difference of color. That made every baby equal and let us assume that color didn't matter in that babies life at that moment. they were all equally accounted for.
Let me just start out by saying how spot on this argument is. Little by little as a society we may all, one day, gain and keep a mindset of equality. Although I think that each race also needs to gain a confidence within themselves on their differences no matter how small and be proud of them. This will bring others to appreciate them equally as much too. Overall this piece was structured very well and had a fluidity to it that intrigued me as a reader. Very nice work.
Jordyn France
Per 3
Cogswell
The topic and title of this piece is what initially caught my eye; race has been a sensitive topic from when I was a child to even today. Many times I, myself, feel "grouped" or "judged" based on my race, and this has been one of my biggest pet peeves for a very long time, and I really enjoyed your approach on this topic. It put into words exactly how I feel about the topic, and you did a great job in expressing your beliefs without being offensive. I loved the articulate and intelligent approach you took to this piece. Overall, great work!
Sabrina H
Period 2
I think that this issue is an extremely "hot topic" nowadays and I think most people would be able to bring up the same points as you, but I love how you brought this issue into your own interpretation. Starting off with facts honestly is what caught my eye here, and continuing with the unity of the human race is something I honestly didn't expect. The way you picked apart this popular issue was extremely intriguing and original. Great Job!
I think that this issue is an extremely "hot topic" nowadays and I think most people would be able to bring up the same points as you, but I love how you brought this issue into your own interpretation. Starting off with facts honestly is what caught my eye here, and continuing with the unity of the human race is something I honestly didn't expect. The way you picked apart this popular issue was extremely intriguing and original. Great Job!
Yes yes yes JJ!
I absolutely adored this piece it is very well written and honestly couldn't have been better stated. Race is obviously a prominent issue in society and you totally hit every angle there is to say about racism today and how it very much so still exists. While reading this I was thinking about how all these stereotypes and race definitions happen because of peoples ignorance towards things like race and the history of it. It also reminded me a lot of the list that Mrs. Cogswell gave us on why we read literature and one of them was to refine our judgement and to help us explore other cultures and beliefs. I believe it is our job to be educated young adults as well as help to educate others so that our children grow up in a race-free future.
~Dulce
P2
Thank you for writing this piece! I feel as if people are scared to talk about racism in society today, and some even thinking racism is "that thing from the 1960's". Racism is institutionalized and in every aspect of our lives. It depicts what we say to one another, how we dress, how we act, and how we speak. Racism is what leads to wars and creates ignorant people. I found your essay thought provoking, and also agree with you on the fact that WE ARE ALL THE HUMAN RACE. All lives matter, regardless of popular contest. Your use of diction made your essay academic, and philosophical. I wish the ignorant can understand your eloquent writing and sophistication. Great job!
Miranda Hidalgo
period. 5
I enjoyed this piece because it outlines todays society. You put the human race into a statistic and then digressed of what it all means. Overall good job!
Hi JJ! I really enjoyed this commentary about race and how it’s implemented into society today. I liked how you caught my attention with that statistical fact from UNICEF and I also liked how you said that everyone is racist in their own way. I can honestly agree with you on what you stated because I can relate to how people always stereotype each other to be something that they’re not. And I also love the fact that you put ended your social commentary with a statement on how we, the human society, can all come together to become one and not segregated groups. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Kimberly Chua
Period 2
JJ, hearing your perspective on the topic of racism really helps me understand the issue here in the United States. The topic of racism is always something that many people try to avoid, but I'm glad to hear your input on the issue. In terms of writing, the use of a statistic to start your piece gave me interest in the piece, and the transition into the issue was well done. Great job!
You did a very good job on your piece. Excellent job on using good detail. You make a very valid point that should be discussed more throughout society. I hope that many more individuals agree with you on the controversial topic of racism. Well done.
- Deborah Fraire
Period 1
Great article I thought it was a great that you started talking about humans as a whole and that while we may look different we are for the most part the same on the inside. Despite that people still are very quick to judge based on appearances especially race. As much as I would love to say that the United States is racism free, we all know that is not true. There have been so many cases of racism not only by citizens in the country but it has in several recent cases involving the Police Department. Thankfully there are many organizations that are fighting for a united people and hopefully we will be able to see that become a reality
- Marvin Virola
P5
Not many people are comfortable discussing this topic, but you have done such a great job and all of the points that you argued are so clear and valid. The way that everything is put together is very sophisticated and organized as well. I completely agree with you and the fact that we shouldn't be divided but unified. I really enjoyed this piece and its interesting to hear from people who have similar views. Great job!
Vanessa Alfaro
Period 2
You have done a great job in discussing in issue that I believe needs more attention to it. I enjoyed this piece because because its interesting to hear how others do not just move on to the next issue that they hear, instead you took one issue into account. Also putting all types of minorities especially Muslims knows how involved you are considering what the news says about them. All in all Great Job!
Alena Awan
Period 2
You have done a great job in discussing in issue that I believe needs more attention to it. I enjoyed this piece because because its interesting to hear how others do not just move on to the next issue that they hear, instead you took one issue into account. Also putting all types of minorities especially Muslims knows how involved you are considering what the news says about them. All in all Great Job!
Alena Awan
Period 2
This was a thing of beauty JJ! Anyone who read this now has a much better understanding of what America's problem is now, racism. The way you started with a statistic captured the eyes of many readers and then you suddenly bring up the topic of racism which makes people think about how irrelevant racism is because of how many people there are in the world! Great Job man!!
-Antonio Barron P:3
This piece can really start a movement. Nothing is more important than racial unity, which this country doesn't have. Thank you for opening our eyes to reality to teach us about the truth. Keep Writing!
~ John Tucker
Freshman, Period 1
This was a really interesting piece to read. Its really important that people think about how we can come closer as a society. Good Job
-Michael D
Period 5
This piece is very nice. The sad part is its true. People do judge people on their skin color and not how they act. This is the truth, and it happens all over, which it needs to stop. Keep writing, because this is a true and its a very nice piece.
~Logan Donoho per.1
This piece is very nice. The sad part is its true. People do judge people on their skin color and not how they act. This is the truth, and it happens all over, which it needs to stop. Keep writing, because this is a true and its a very nice piece.
~Logan Donoho per.1
This piece is very nice. The sad part is its true. People do judge people on their skin color and not how they act. This is the truth, and it happens all over, which it needs to stop. Keep writing, because this is a true and its a very nice piece.
~Logan Donoho per.1
This piece is so good and its an important topic to speak about! You made some really good points and I can relate to a lot because people criticize that I'm African American and Hispanic. I think you argued your views and thoughts without offending people but encouraging society to be united.
Thank you so much for addressing this topic that so many are afraid to talk about. You are right about racism still being persistent even to this day for example people will call others the "N" word and it doesnt bother anybody but if you were to say that during our grandparents era it would be a big deal. My point is is that our generation has become accustomed to our modern day racism but its our job to fix it.
Johnny Delacruz
Per 2
JJ I am amazed at what a talented writer you are and how you were able to discuss such a controversial topic in a way that made the reader really hear what you were saying and reflect back on their own actions when it comes to racism. You were inquisitive of our way of life and used facts of our true society to demonstrate why your argument was important to discuss in such a manner that made me consider why we do separate ourselves into ethnic groups and why we find it important to do so. Not many pieces have been able to make me have a significant response to it and make me want to continue reading and for that i applaud you. Also i would like to thank you for choosing to focus on a topic that so many people shy away from in today's society and commend you for writing a magnificent piece!
society is sort of a black hole. once you go in you change. Either for the better or worse, once you come out your not the same. This story mainly talks about one race, But over time its been split. I liked the way you choose a sensitive spot in society and made me stop and think good job.
Alejandro Martinez
period 1
First off, I like how you addressed the topic about racism. This subject has been and still is widely controversial and should be discussed to educated society. Also, I agree with your thoughts about racism! I like how you were able to carry out your thoughts in a professional manner and also took into consideration the thoughts of others. This piece is written out excellently.
Noelle Mariano
Period 2
I think that no matter what race you are, other races will always have jokes. I put up with the "jokes" and I really hate being categorized. My parents, especially my mom experienced racism and I have never really had any intense encounters with racism personally because Etiwanda is so diverse, but the first time I realized that I really am a minority was when I was visiting college campuses.
I've seen and heard stories of my friends being faced with racism. Today someone said they wished we could all get along and not be so divided. Right now there is no unity and there is no balance. We have to learn on listening and respecting one another and I dont think that is something we as a society now how to do. The sentence, "The way to make a change is to recognize our own racism and fight for equality so we could begin moving towards one united human race," really stuck with me. I appreciate that you wrote about something meaningful and pressing.
Jeannette Martinez
period 2
Racism is a very relevant and debated on issue especially with recent events like the Ferguson riots. It's also an integral part of our society today and whether or not we realize it, it motivates people's jokes and lives. Therefore, I appreciate this piece for clearly defining racism and bringing forth an awareness for how it truly impacts society and our own personal lives today. Your inclusion of a statistic of how many babies are born in our world today and how they are a part of the human race, first and foremost, demonstrates how racism in itself is pointless as we are all equal in anatomy. I believe this is all significant build up in order to promote a change in our society to fight for equality, rather than subjecting each other to stereotypes caused by racism.
-Amber Tacderan, Period 2
This is a great topic to talk about and i'm really glad someone decided to do it for their blog. I love how you tell the truth in every way possible describing the racism of today's society. I have always wondered why it is even called racism, aren't we all just one human race? It makes no sense to me why we have to treat people differently just by their appearance. Great Job I always look forward to your insightful thoughts whenever I talk to you!
This piece is very good. It really shows how society works with racism and diversity.
-Ashlee Franks
per 4
This should really grab EVERYBODY'S attention. Racism is a very serious thing in our lives today. People get judged all day and every day. It isn't a joke. This story is inspiring and people should really listen to this. Great speech.
Wow, this story made me change my point of view pretty fast. I thought this story would be good ,but you gave me a great story on racism. This story really grabs your attention really fast. I also like how you added statistics to the story. I believe you should expand this story into a book since you have a great beginning.
I really enjoyed this piece, it was really inspiring and well written. I fully support and agree that we should all be one united race. This piece has really opened my eyes to this subject, well done. This was very well put together and a great topic to be discussed.
I truly enjoyed this piece. It was well written and well thought out. I loved how you stated real data and facts to back up your ideas which by the way I also truly support. It was inspiring and you did a great job Joseph!
Period 5
Victoria Hurtado
Just from the first two paragraphs alone, you caught my attention. Then, you hit me with that third paragraph and I literally had to get out my chair and take a walk. It is really refreshing to know that there are still people out there who are educated enough to realize how the real world functions and how it thinks. I applaud you for deciding to write about a very sensitive topic. You are totally right when you commented on the fact that people today act differently around a specific group of people because of the color they are. If these new forms of racism continue what will society be like in 5 years? Will it become worse or will it get better? What gave people the abhorrent thought of a superior race? This piece really wakes readers up because society needs to stop having all of these negative connotations of people based on their race alone. It is time for a change and I honestly believe that this piece is a step on the direction for change. Fantastic job!!
Kayla Weathers
Oftentimes, people tend to ignore social injustices and contemporary issues that are relevant to the progress of achieving full civil equality. You've done an amazing job at painting the picture of racism--one of the most prominent issues to date--and illuminating its injustices in dividing the human race and civilization itself. It warms my heart seeing others who share the passion of expanding the awareness of these issues within the youth, since we are in fact the future. Stay slaying!
P. 3
I love love love that you started your essay with fact after fact. It made me think of a research essay that is also very persuasive and argumentative. The way you defined everything and laid it all out then went into detail about your argument made it all the more compelling to read. Keep writing like this and you'll have people enthralled no matter what age they are.
Good to see a wonderful article by my friend JJ. It does "suck" that this is how the world works. Everyone experiences racial injustice everyday. I enjoy your description of "our skeletal structure and beating heart". That is honestly so true. We are all humans. Why does the color of our skin, or the shape of our heads, or the shape of our eyes, or the customs we follow have to obscure the idea that we are all the same. Thanks for pointing out what is going on in the world. Your first two paragraphs were short and had a good hook to it with a great finish with your third paragraph.
Paul Chong
Period 2
I found this piece interesting from the jump! It started out with a hook and added some mind-boggling statistics that actually caught my attention. I expected to fall asleep at the title but I was wrong. I also found the point of racial injustice very valid. Because people cannot control what skin tone they are and how they are shaped, or how cute they are. People are judged every day for there personal characteristics, so I would have to side with your essay. Great job!!!
Rodrick Hill
Period 2
I love the statistics you enlightened us with at the very beginning of your piece. I very much agree with your point of view in the fact that I have always found it ironic that skin color, eye shape, height, weight, sexuality, size of certain body parts, and hair styles are all just different versions of the overall same thing. They are all still considered eyes, body parts, hair, skin, etc despite how they look or feel. Eyes are still eyes, noses are still noses, hair is still hair, etc. This is why I really appealed to the part where you stated that we are one human race. This is a really impactful essay and I felt very inspired after finishing this piece. Fantastic job J.J.!
I love this soo much!!!! This should really be published everywhere so everyone can see. This is such a powerful essay, great job.
I admire the fact that you were able to address this issue with so much grace and respect. Your entire piece flowed from line to line and was extremely influential and convicing. Overall you addressed everything with so much knowledge and understanding that your entire piece came together so well.
I really loved this piece. This piece really expresses how much we are divided not only by skin but by how we dress or talk. Hopefully in the near future this all will change I really loved this piece.
Evanne Turner
Period 2
I really like this story because it is so informational.And it expresses about how not only our skin color but our dress. keep up the good work.
marco garcia-ordaz
period 4
I really like this story because i learn something new and it's really interesting. I like how you include the info and talking about the different of races.
-Rhema Kemas
JJ! Dang, this was such a truthful, spot-on accurate story. I really liked how you took on this subject because it's something everyone can relate to. I completely agree with your position as well. Great work!
- Kelene Hirata
Per. 2
Yes. I don't understand why we are so divided by our skin color. Its a sickness that has gone long enough not just in our own country but all over the world. many people throughout history have tried to stop segregation and many have succeeded. The chair of segregation is still standing strong and it is our job the future leaders of the U.S to stop it, why not now
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